Stop for a 20 minute nap somewhere or get a really nasty drink and nurse it along. I've spent a ton of time doing this while hiking the NH48 in winter as day trips. Many times I'd get up at 3 or 4 AM, drive 3 hours to the White Mountains, hike and climb all day with snowshoes or crampons and a pack, then come down and drive 3 hours home and arrive back between 11 and midnight.

Anyone have any tips for staying awake during these long drives, besides slapping yourself in the face?

3 words: Five Hour Energy. The stuff WORKS. Drink one of those little bottles when the sleepies just start sneaking up on you. In about 20 mins, you are awake. No jitters, no sugar crash later - just awake when you need to be.

3 words: Five Hour Energy. The stuff WORKS. Drink one of those little bottles when the sleepies just start sneaking up on you. In about 20 mins, you are awake. No jitters, no sugar crash later - just awake when you need to be.

What the Hamster said.....I am leaving the DC Area around 4 am on Thursday and 5 hour energy will be the Breakfast of Champions....

3 words: Five Hour Energy. The stuff WORKS. Drink one of those little bottles when the sleepies just start sneaking up on you. In about 20 mins, you are awake. No jitters, no sugar crash later - just awake when you need to be.

Yes! This stuff does work, but it only works ONCE. Use it wisely, because after it wears off, you are done for. If you take a second one, effects are unpleasant and you'll feel pretty strung out.